Certified translations

Certified translations

Certified translations are done by specialised translators registered on the list of a Court of Appeal and/or the Cour de Cassation in France. To consult these lists, go to the Cour de Cassation website: www.courdecassation.fr.
Expert translators work only into or from the language(s) for which they have been registered on the list. They must affix a stamp on both the translation and the original document indicating their name, address and the words “expert translator registered with the XXX Court of Appeal” or “expert translator certified by the Cour de Cassation”, together with the language(s) for which they are registered. The translation must also bear another stamp stating that it is a “certified true translation of the original (or photocopy) in the XXX language, marked ne varietur under no. (identification number) at [place] on [date]”. The identification number should be that shown on the original document. The translator must sign both the original document(s) and the translation.
Certified translations of civil status records can only be issued by expert translators, who also produce other “official”, “sworn” or “certified” translations. In the great majority of cases, these are documents intended for presentation to the public authorities, other administrative agencies and the legal authorities.
Documents intended for countries other than France sometimes require certification of the translator’s signature and may also require a marginal note issued by the Court of Appeal where the civil registrar or notary certifying the signature is registered (see the table of conventions in force published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). ALTO International advises its customers on the procedures to be followed and coordinates the formalities.